Food does more than just tantalize your taste buds—it can also weave communities together and ignite change. In this episode, host Donna DiMaggio Berger is joined by Tim and Lara Boyd from Mustard Seed Bistro in Plantation to explore how simple community cookouts can spark vital conversations and foster collaboration. They discuss how providing refreshments at gatherings like board and membership meetings often cultivates a more positive atmosphere.

Many community associations feature amenities such as restaurants, cafes, breakfast bars, and barbecue stations near pools. Even in communities without these services, dining out remains a cherished social activity. Tim and Lara share insights from their experiences in the restaurant industry, discussing how they balance family life with business demands and address post-COVID challenges reshaping the dining scene. From adapting lunch routines to managing increased expenses, they delve into the strategies that keep their restaurant thriving. Whether you're a culinary enthusiast or a business professional, this episode promises a hearty dose of inspiration for your next community or corporate gathering.

Conversation highlights include:

• What inspired Tim and Lara to open their first restaurant
• Challenges in dealing with outside partners and finicky customers
• Where they draw culinary inspiration
• Challenges in running a restaurant together as a couple
• How Covid changed the restaurant industry
• Yelp and other reviews
• Strategies for keeping talent
• Sustainability practices

BONUS: Find out if you have what it takes to open your own restaurant!

Has your association ever faced the challenge of a shadow website or social media page imitating your own? Have you discovered your community's name being used by a business entity without permission? Host Donna DiMaggio Berger, along with guest Valeria Angelucci from Becker’s Corporate Practice, shed light on these common issues. Despite their prevalence, the solution for both prevention and resolution is often just one registered trademark away!

Donna and Valeria reveal how to safeguard intellectual property for community associations, particularly their names and logos. They explore the intricacies of intellectual property, emphasizing the crucial function trademarks serve in preserving the identity of your association. They also share insights into crafting distinctive branding, with real-life examples, including renowned brands like Nike and Lululemon.

Donna and Valeria discuss the expenses and enforcement associated with trademark registration, providing practical advice for addressing inquiries from the United States Patent and Trademark Office. They highlight how a well-protected trademark can forge a stronger sense of community. Whether you're a seasoned manager or a newcomer to community associations, this conversation is an essential guide to mastering the landscape of trademarks.

Conversation highlights include:

• Differences between trademarks, copyrights, and patents
• Steps and costs involved in the trademarking process for community associations
• Limitations or restrictions on what can be trademarked
• Legal implications for community associations if their names or logos are not properly trademarked
• How community associations can enforce their trademark rights if they discover infringement
• Alternatives to trademarking

At some point, every building will require concrete repairs and restoration. If you've ever undertaken a concrete restoration project, you're aware of the many challenges they entail: substantial costs, lengthy time delays, irritation over hurricane shutters, windows and doors, uncooperative owners and the potential for incidental damage. Host Donna DiMaggio Berger sheds light on these projects with guest Alessandra Bianchini, Vice President and General Counsel of Carousel Development and Restoration Inc. Alessandra is the fourth generation of her family to be in the construction industry, and in this episode of Take It To The Board, she does a deep dive into how contractors typically handle these large projects and what your community can expect from start to finish on a concrete restoration.

Their conversation on balcony restoration gets down to brass tacks on every front—from the necessity of removing every last tile to address spalling, to the legal hurdles faced when trying to gain access to units. They also tackle worker safety measures, the importance of expert counsel, and offer advice for associations gearing up for significant inspections. As Donna and Alessandra reveal, it's not just about finding the right team; it's about peace of mind. Join them for a conversation that could provide valuable insights for your community's next major restoration endeavor.

Donna and Alessandra also discuss how increasingly violent weather patterns and climate change can impact the maintenance needs and structural integrity of concrete buildings and also unpack the importance of clear, consistent communication and detailed planning when undertaking concrete repairs in an occupied building. They share best practices for ensuring minimal disruption while keeping association residents in the loop and (mostly) happy during these vital projects.

Conversation highlights include:

• Best practices for work crews doing concrete repair and restoration in occupied buildings
• What causes concrete to deteriorate and how long that process typically takes
• Best practices for re-installing tile or other coverings on balconies, post-concrete restoration
• The point at which a building is no longer a candidate for restoration
• Impact of climate change on the structural integrity of buildings
• Trends and innovations in concrete restoration technology and techniques